A North Finchley instructor has become the first British person to be recognised for introducing kenpo karate to the world of martial arts.

Cyprus-born Athos Antoniades, of Chanctonbury Way, was honoured with an engraved silver plate at The Combat Hall of Fame Awards 2001 in Birmingham on Saturday.

The ceremony organisers, Combat, run a monthly, international martial arts magazine of the same name.

Athos is responsible for combining two types of techniques American kenpo and tai chi to come up with the new sport kenpo karate which he teaches to students in the borough.

Athos said afterwards: "There were 700 people there and it went very well. It's the largest accolade to receive in martial arts and it makes you realise your hard work has been recognised by your peers."

Visit the web site at www.martialartssecrets.com for more information about how to become involved in the sport.

October 10, 2001 19:06